Abstract
Pharmacology principles provide key understanding that underpins the clinical and research roles of nuclear medicine practitioners in nuclear cardiology. The scope of practice of the nuclear medicine technologist demands knowledge and understanding of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, proper use, drug interactions, and adverse reactions for each medication to be used. This article is the fifth in a series of articles that aims to enhance the understanding of pharmacological principles relevant to nuclear medicine. This article will build on the introductory concepts, terminology and principles of pharmacology explored in the first two articles in the series. Specifically, this article will focus on the pharmacological principles and complex relationshiship associated with interventional, adjunctive and cessation medications in nuclear cardiology. Future articles will address the pharmacology related to the emergency trolley (crash cart) and contrast media associated with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).